Canon Digital Rebel Flashes and Lenses

[misterbeefy]

Hey guys, I've got a couple of questions concerning my Digital Rebel. First, what would be the best, inexpensive flash that I could add to my camera? I take it I need something that swivels and all that good stuff, but not sure what brand/type would be best. I want something that's portable and flashes often as I will be shooting a variety of things, including but not limited to, portraits and action shots. I want something that can not "wash out" my subjects, but provide a good fill flash at the same time.

Also, considering I'm wanting to shoot both sports and portraits, what would be the best lens to use? I currently have the 18-55mm that came with the camera, as well as a Sigma 70-300mm but if I recall correctly, they both have like a 4.3 F stop or something high like that. I have been considering a 50mm 1.4 or 1.8f lens, but not sure which one and if this would be good for portraits. I'm kinda new in the SLR field, so F stops and all that is still kinda strange and I'm learning as I go. From what I understand though, the lower the F stop, the faster the lens is allowing you to shoot faster, especially in sports. Is this true? I also have a nerve problem which causes my hands to shake, but the rebel is heavy enough to help alot, but I can always use something else lol.

Any and all suggestions would sure be appreciated. Lets hear from some of you wedding photographers and sports photographers out there!

[misterbeefy]

Anybody?

[jcgilli]

Hey Beefy,

I can't speak for the portraits but as far as sports go you will want a 2.8. The 2.8 isn't neccessarily faster but it does allow you to shoot at a higher shutter speed which will allow you to stop action. This along with telephoto will also give you the shallow depth of field (washed out background).

It really depends on what sport you want to shoot. Indoor basketball a 2.8 or a 1.8 is desirable. The 85mm f1.8 is a extremely popular lens when shooting basketball. I have been using the 70-200 f2.8 IS and I love it. It is extremly versitile and the focus is lightning fast. Before going to Canon I would miss a lot of shots because the focus wasn't fast enough. You mentioned your hands shook, something IS might not be a bad way to go. It will help stabilize the image when shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Hope this helps,

Chris

[misterbeefy]

Hey thanks for the info Chris, I appreciate it. I had thought about the 2.8 originally, but kinda discarded it when I found out about the 1.8. I was under the impression that faster is better. Is the a quality issue when you get that fast? As far as sports goes, I'll just be shooting football. Am I correct in my understanding that the lower f stops mean you can also shoot in lower light situations? I find I shoot a lot where the light isn't so good, but flash will wash out the shot. Also, do you have any reccomendations on external flashes for the rebel?

Thanks again for your time.

[rrreese]

Am I correct in my understanding that the lower f stops mean you can also shoot in lower light situations?

It sure does. Though you should remember that at low f stops the acceptable region of focus can be very small. I have the f/1.8 and really like it, but for close in portraiture work fully open you're looking at only several cm's of acceptable focus. On the other hand I quite like the effect of this. The lens is pretty cheap as well.